Moody makeover: Five ways to incorporate dark hues in your home

With a rich palette of hues and versatile wallpaper designs, Resene has what you need to explore the allure of darkness in your home décor. From sumptuous floral patterns to velvety finishes, you can create a space that evokes a sense of mystery and luxury all in one.

Enigmatic florals

Elevate your living room with a large floral design like Resene Wallpaper Collection 38509-1.

This dark floral wallpaper, Resene Wallpaper Collection 38509-1, is enchanting and luxurious, with deep reds and greens converging to form a tapestry of allure. Paired with a sleek wooden floor and plush furnishings, this design exudes both opulence and comfort – certainly an inviting space for the winter months. The contrast of natural motifs against a dark backdrop also lends an air of romanticism to the space. To enhance this design, try using dark wood stains on flooring and furniture such as Resene Colorwood tinted to Resene Dark Oak, Resene Meranti or Resene English Walnut.

Sleek sophistication

In this grey scale room, the walls are painted in Resene Half Stack with circle feature in Resene Silver Chalice, floor in Resene Silver Chalice, console top in Resene Half Grey Friars, tall vase in Resene Blackjack, bowl in Resene Grey Friars and tealight holder in Resene Cape Palliser. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

Embrace the understated elegance of grey and black. These nuanced shades create a canvas for minimalist design to thrive. From sleek furniture to curated décor accents, every element in this space harmonises effortlessly, proving that simplicity can indeed be striking. When going for a monochromatic colour scheme, try sticking to either warm or cool tones, as well as using the same shade but in different strengths, this will allow your space to feel harmonious and cohesive. Try a cool urban grey like Resene Rakaia in full, half and quarter strength, paired with a shadowy charcoal like Resene Foundry.

Moody sanctuary

In this captivating bedroom, the back wall is painted in Resene Double Masala with trims in Resene Bokara Grey, floor in Resene Colorwood Shade, feature wall in Resene Half Bokara Grey (grid lines) and Resene Colorwood tinted to Resene Breathe Easy, Resene Bask and Resene Shade. The pendant light, bottom book on chair, mug and bottle vase are in Resene Teak, chair, coaster and small vase in Resene Scrub, dish and plant pot in Resene Flax, middle book in Resene Triple Thorndon Cream and small square textured vase in Resene Biscotti. Project by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.

Transform your bedroom into a haven of tranquillity with a mix of Resene paints and wood stains. Dark and cocooning, this bedroom exudes an aura of intimacy and warmth. The richness of hues envelops the space, inviting rest and relaxation – as well as much needed escape from the sometimes hectic world outside! Using wood stains allows you to add some texture to your space, and there are plenty of hues other than just brown! Try a red toned stain like Resene Colorwood Japanese Maple, a green wash like Resene Colorwood Shore Thing or a beachy blue like Resene Colorwood Shade.

Subtle elegance

Add texture and depth to a small space with a design like Resene Wallpaper Collection 333114.

Infuse your dining area with subtle sophistication using a floral wallpaper, such as Resene Wallpaper Collection 333114. This dark design is made soft with a nature inspired print that also adds interest to an otherwise plain room. Paired with statement chairs and accessories for a pop of colour, this design effortlessly balances femininity with modernity. Choosing neutrals not only creates a timeless and appealing design, but also allows you to add your own touches and favourite hues in other elements. Colours that work well with dark shades are teals like Resene Retro, greens like Resene Parsley, violet blues like Resene Enigma and fruity purples like Resene Plum.

Nature's embrace

The marble like pattern in Resene Wallpaper Collection 379911_5 adds a touch of luxury to this nature-inspired room.

Create a moody, nature-inspired bedroom with a dark feature wallpaper like Resene Wallpaper Collection 379911_5. Soft linens and draping curtains create a cocoon of comfort and style, you won’t want to leave! Try adding some greenery to your space to elevate it even further and bring a touch of freshness in. If you’re using a dark design as a feature wall, consider painting the surrounding walls in another dark shade that complements your wallpaper. Try blacks, charcoals or rich browns like Resene Element, Resene Ebony Clay and Resene Triple Masala.

Whether you're drawn to the romance of floral motifs or the allure of sleek sophistication, there are many options to express your unique style with confidence and finesse. Dare to embrace the darkness – choose your favourite wallpapers and pick up some testpots from your local Resene ColorShop! If you need some colour advice, Ask a Resene Colour Expert online, visit a Resene ColorShop or check out the habitat plus – going dark article online for more ideas.

Published: 24 Apr 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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Resene Silver Chalice

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Resene Half Grey Friars

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Resene Grey Friars

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Resene Cape Palliser

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Resene Double Masala

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Resene Bokara Grey

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Resene Half Bokara Grey

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Resene Triple Thorndon Cream

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Resene Triple Masala

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